Monsanto and AgraQuest Join Forces

Published in the November 2010 IssuePublished online: Nov 06, 2010

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ST. LOUIS and DAVIS, Calif.-Monsanto Company and AgraQuest, Inc. have entered into a collaboration to evaluate the potential use of AgraQuest's pipeline of bio-pesticide leads to develop seed treatments for Monsanto's core crops and vegetables.

The three-year deal is aimed at developing seed-treatment products to control nematodes, disease and insects, and enhance plant growth and yield, using AgraQuest's collection of microbes. This technology could help Monsanto researchers develop additional modes of action for insect, nematode and disease control.

Used in conjunction with Monsanto traits in the company's elite germplasm, such seed treatment technologies could mean greater pest and stress management choices that are more effective and durable, which could help growers increase on-farm yields.

Monsanto will have exclusive rights to the technology for seed treatments in its core crops and vegetables. AgraQuest will retain all rights to the technology for foliar-to be sprayed over the top of plants-and soil application uses, and for use as seed treatments in all other crops. Under the agreement, AgraQuest will receive an upfront payment and research funding, as well as performance-based payments and royalties. Additional details about the agreement were not disclosed.